Web Based VPN – Web Based Proxy or VPN?

Posted by on Apr 16, 2012 in Proxy Services, Software to Unblock Sites, VPN Services | Comments Off

Web Based VPNI’ve seen on some forum posts and blogs that there is a demand for a ‘web based VPN‘.  The problem with this statement, is that VPNs cannot be web based.  Proxies can be web based.  So this leaves us with the question – are users looking for a web based VPN really looking for a VPN, or are they looking for a web based proxy.  Here are the differences to clear up the matter.

 

Web based proxies

When a proxy, or ‘VPN’ is ‘web based’, it means just that.  It is accessible from the web.  That is in contrast to being accessible from your laptop, phone, or home computer.  When you can access something from the internet, through an internet browser, regardless of the machine you’re using, that means it’s web based.

For example, when I access YouTube, this is a web based streaming site.  This means I can access the website from any machine, as long as I have my proper login credentials.  However, when I want to use uTorrent, this is not web based. I have to have the software installed on my device to be able to access the application.

So with the proper login and password, you can access a web based proxy a web based proxy from any device, regardless of what other apps or software you have installed (or not installed).  This is one of the main advantages of using a web based proxy (compared to a VPN).

So if you are a subscribing member of a web based proxy service, you can mask your IP address on your iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, and any other web browsing device.  You don’t need to have a special app, or any software installed.  As long as you’re not in some place like China, where the actual URL of the site is blocked, it will work.  Even if you find yourself in a place where the URL is blocked (your workplace may use a proxy blocking firewall), with SecuriTales you can still access the secure URL through your email inbox.

SecuriTales Web Based ProxySecuriTales is my recommended web based proxy service.  It’s cheap, fast, and works exactly how they say.  It even works in China.  If it can do battle with Chinese internet censorship and beat The GFW, I imagine that it will work in 99% of situations.

^^^ Click For SecuriTales ^^^

 

Virtual Private Networks

VPNs are not necessarily an ‘alternative’ to web based proxies, but more of a compliment.  They provide a solution to many of the issues with web based proxies, but they still have some disadvantages that should be listed as well.

Ok, so web based proxies are strictly for browsing – that should be noted. Because they are run through your browser, they don’t interact with any software or apps on your phone/computer.  Why is this important?

  • + VOIP
  • + Chat software
  • + Torrents/P2P
  • + Games
  • + SEO/Website analytic software

 

VPN SoftwareThese are all examples of software that might need to be run with an alternative IP address.  When I lived in China for a year, running my website analytic software was impossible with an IP address because Chinese filters blocked many of its features.  I had not choice but to use a VPN because the web based proxy did nothing for the software.  In countries like UAE or other Middle Eastern countries where VOIP software like Skype is blocked, again, VPNs are necessary.

Compatibility with software running outside your internet browser is not the end of the story, web based proxies are also not going to work with Netflix, Hulu, and some other streaming sites.

So aside from compatibility, VPNs also provide better encryption.  Though I mentioned above that SecuriTales is available in China, most proxies aren’t.  Most proxies are pretty weak when compared to VPNs, as far as anonymity and privacy goes.  If privacy online is a concern of yours, this is not a choice – VPNs are the way to go.

Lastly, the choice of IP address may be important to you.  With a web based proxy, the proxy browser is a ‘portal’ to proxy servers around the world.  But you don’t get a choice of IP. With VPNs, you do.  The number of country or city locations will vary based on VPN service, but generally 4 to 10 choices is normal.  Some offer lite packages, which allow you only one choice, and some offer unlimited access packages with access to 30 or more servers.

You will find that an IP address from a VPN will not register as an “anonymous IP“, like web based proxies do.  It will be detected as an official IP from that country, and will get you past more firewalls that proxies.

I actually have many more recommendations for good VPN services to try, but I’ll limit this list to three.  I’ve listed a few features to help you decide which service is best for your individual needs.

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12VPN

12VPN DownloadThis VPN service supports the most devices.  Most VPN service will support iOS, Android, Mac, Windows an Linux.  12VPN also supports a wide variety of smartphones, lesser known operating systems, VPN routers, and Symbian devices.  They also offer military grade encryption upgrades.

^^^ Click For 12VPN ^^^

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PureVPN

PureVPN DownloadThere’s a discount package with a 30 GB monthly limit, and they also offer a 3 day account which is popular.  They also have a dedicated IP address package, and allow torrents on some dynamic IP servers (no US or UK IP, but hey, who needs that anyway?).  Live support is a bonus as well.  They also offer SSTP for Windows 7 and Vista.

^^^ Click For PureVPN ^^^

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HMA DownloadHide My Ass

One of the most popular VPN services available, they’ve got a massive network of servers around the world. The number is currently 41 countries, but by the time you read this, it’ll probably be closer to 50 because they’re constantly growing.  Torrents are OK, and they show total confidence in their product by offering a 30 day money back guarantee.

^^^ Click For HMA ^^^

 

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